Govt working to create Allama Iqbal’s Pakistan: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Nov 9 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said the government is utilizing all available resources to provide social and economic justice to people as envisioned by Allama Mohammad Iqbal. In a message on the occasion of 134th birth anniversary of Allama Mohammad Iqbal to be celebrated on November 9, the Prime Minister said, “Our leaders Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed always took significant steps at national level for political and social progress in line with the thoughts and teachings of Allama Iqbal.”
The Prime Minister said, “by following in the footsteps of our leaders, our government is working constantly to make our dear country, a Pakistan, envisioned by Allama Iqbal.”
Gilani said political values are strengthened in Pakistan and here people have all those basic constitutional rights which are manifestation of a civilized society.
 “With the grace and beneficence of Allah, today the journey of democracy is successfully continuing in Pakistan. State institutions are performing their responsibilities by remaining within their constitutional limits, media is free and people enjoy their basic rights,” he added.
 He said a new political culture of reconciliation and consultation is being introduced in society and such steps are being taken for national sovereignty and public welfare, which are according to the political thoughts of Allama Iqbal.
 He said today the whole nation is celebrating the birth anniversary of Poet of the East with great devotion and reverence.
The expression of feelings of people is a great tribute to the personality of Allama Iqbal, who gave a new direction to the thought and consciousness of the Muslims of subcontinent through his fervent poetry and thoughts.
He said Allama Iqbal fully knew that if Muslims wanted to raise their national identity in the context of their religion and way of life, then they will have to set their direction in the backdrop of changing political circumstances.
 Allama Iqbal presented the comprehensive concept of Khudi in his poetry to construct and create collective consciousness and feelings of Muslims, which are basically in harmony with the Islamic teachings, he added.
 The great poet presented Momin as a symbol who is a practical illustration of Islam and comes up as an exemplary character to guide the Muslims, Gilani noted.
 Gilani said the political wisdom of Allama Iqbal changed the history of subcontinent. The great poet persuaded Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to return from England and take up political leadership of Muslims.
 Allama Iqbal made the Muslims realise that they will have to make, the ideological and political affiliation with the universal system of Islam, their destination, he added.
 The Prime Minister said dream of Allama Iqbal was fulfilled with the creation of Pakistan and struggle for Pakistan is the best example of a popular movement.
 The ideological foundation of Pakistan is an Islamic, democratic and moderate state and Pakistan Peoples Party always continued its journey in this direction, he added.
 “While paying tribute to our great national poet philosopher, let us pledge to make Pakistan a prosperous and honourable nation.  This is the destination for which Pakistan Peoples Party is striving,” he said.